Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice’s Care Team has been nominated for Third Sector Excellence Award under the ‘Covid-19 Frontline Team of the Year’ category.
To support children who are acutely unwell during the pandemic, and to relieve the NHS, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice’s Care Team rapidly expedited the opening of the Children’s Bedroom Wing at the charity’s new home, The Ark. The team, which had previously provided only Hospice-at-Home and community-based support, quickly pivoted, caring for children at the end of their lives at The Ark immediately upon opening. The Ark has provided a safe haven for children who were severely immuno-compromised. As nine-year-old Jake put it, “we’d been trapped at home for six months. Going to The Ark felt like I was finally free. It was the best time of my life”. 
To make this possible, the team quickly forged relationships with key London hospitals, including Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Royal Brompton. The charity’s social workers mobilised to support families who were in immediate social crisis. Noah’s Ark’s Care Team showed incredible courage to take on major challenges in order to ensure outstanding care for children and families. As Richard, father of three-year-old Magnus, who has been supported throughout the pandemic put it: “If I had to describe Noah’s Ark in three words, it would be Gold Standard Care”.
Noah’s Ark’s CEO, Sophie Andrews OBE said: “This has not been an easy period for those working in healthcare and social care – the team has had the additional challenge of opening a new service whilst continuing to find a way to be there for the babies, children, young people and their families. I am hugely proud of our Care Team for all that they do and for receiving this nomination – they certainly have my vote!”.
The awards are being announced on 17 September. Good luck to our inspirational Care Team!
If you are interested in joining our Care Team, we have a number of vacancies which can be viewed here.